Shloka 4

Devanagari script

स्थितस्य वृक्षमूलेषु तस्य चिन्ता बभूव ह । उत्सृज्य सुमहत्कर्म सूक्ष्म प्रति महामते,महामते! वे बड़े-बड़े कर्मोंका आरम्भ त्यागकर एक वृक्षके नीचे जा बैठे और सूक्ष्मतत््वकी खोजके लिये इस प्रकार चिन्ता करने लगे

Transliteration

sthitasya vṛkṣamūleṣu tasya cintā babhūva ha | utsṛjya sumahat karma sūkṣmaṃ prati mahāmate ||

Translation

As he sat down at the roots of trees, a deep concern arose in him. Setting aside the undertaking of great outward works, the wise one turned his mind toward the subtle truth, reflecting inwardly in search of what is most essential.

Word by Word

स्थितस्यof (him) being seated/standing

वृक्षin/at trees

मूलेषुat the roots

तस्यof him

चिन्ताthought/anxiety

बभूवarose/was

हindeed/for emphasis

उत्सृज्यhaving abandoned

सुमहत्very great

कर्मaction/deed/undertaking

सूक्ष्मम्subtle (principle/thing)

प्रतिtowards/with regard to

महामतेO great-minded one

Speaker

समुद्र उवाच

Characters & Entities

स

समुद्र (Samudra, the Ocean)

व

वृक्ष (tree)

Character Dynamics

Dharma Sankata (Moral Dilemma)

Verse Rasa (Emotional Essence)

Philosophical Teaching

Political Layer

Geographic Context

Cross References

Meter (Chandas)

Sandhi Notes

Educational Q&A

What is the core teaching?

The verse contrasts external, grand undertakings with inward discernment: true wisdom may require laying aside impressive actions to pursue subtle truth through reflection and self-inquiry.

What is happening in the narrative?

The speaker describes a wise person who, instead of beginning major works, sits beneath trees and becomes absorbed in thoughtful concern—turning attention toward subtle principles and deeper understanding.